The Dunes are a good example of why the parks exist. If this land was not set aside it would be an industrial wasteland full of steel slag. Welcome back to Chicagoland by the way.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thankful for that too! Always good to come "home" to the midwest!

Love the dunes! Such a unique ecosystem so close to Chicago. Very glad its been designated a national park! Can't wait for your tour to continue!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Really appreciate that! Hope to get the last stop, Sleeping Bear Dunes, up later this week!

The most handsome and fittest Dads always have nothing but gorgeous daughters! Poor guy, I feel bad for him at the same time as I feel excited for him 😂 Nice work brother, you are doing a great job really❤

@AmericasParks

Жыл бұрын

Hey Joel, encouraged by the kind words! Trust my daughters will be as well! lol! Have a blessed week!

Hidden gem. It was a fun day.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Sure was!

The Sand Dune challenge hike looks pretty awesome! Awesome views. Definitely got to get up that way one day and see that Lakeshore! Thanks for sharing.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! Beautiful up there in the "Great Lakes" territory!

Very nice place and beautiful scenery. Your trip video is the great always. And your family looks so happy. Full view and Big liked. I wish you have a happy time...👍👍

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, my friend! Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Very awesome to see a video of one of America's newest National Parks! That trail did look really hard because of the sand but I would still totally do it! Really appreciate you showcasing the great lakes area!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Eric! One more to go - Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. Love the diversity our country has to offer!

thanks for showing us this brand new National Park! (sort of new anyway)/// awesome view of Chicago/ love the blue waters and sandy dunes.. over 300 miles of lakes wow/ Great video

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Love it up there in the Great Lakes territory! Nice to return to a place not too far from where I grew up.

Beautiful family, and great video footage! Lovely water and sand ❤️ I will definitely have to add this to my travel list!

@AmericasParks

2 жыл бұрын

Appreciate your very kind words! Hope you can get out there!

Your videos always inspire me to seek out new adventures, thank you!!!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Really enjoy hearing that! All the best in your travels!

I'm definitely putting the three dune challenge on my bucket list! Such a great episode guys!! Loved the family running down together, such a great shot of all of you!! Excellent work as usual!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Tom! Really enjoyed visiting these lakeshores. Have a great week!

We love both the State Park and the National Lakeshore. We live in the suburbs of Chicago and an easy drive to get to from where we live. 3 dune challenge is a must and really beautiful trails.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Great to hear! Grew up in the suburbs as well. Miss the Midwest!

👍Thanks a lot for the information! Very nice video, it’s definitely on my list!🥳

@AmericasParks

Жыл бұрын

Really appreciate that! All the best!

Another wonderful video! Fun watching the 3 dune challenge, and pretty amazing you could see the Chicago skyline over the horizon of the water. Wow, watched this on my 4k editing monitor, it looks stunning!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

That's nice to know about the quality picture, Mark! Thanks for the kind words!

This video is so well put together! Just visited for the first time. It was incredible!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the kind words and happy to hear your had an enjoyable time there!

Thankful for this video. I grew up a mile south of the Dunes and always rode my bike or ran down to the beach. I really took it for granted though and never really thought about how cool it was to be so close to there. Crazy to me that it became a national park. I've relocated 2000 miles away and need to take my family back to IN to visit. Also can't believe that pink house is still there all these years later as well.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Enjoyed reading that! Like you, thankful to have grown up in the area too (Chicago suburbs). Have a great week!

@dc76384

3 жыл бұрын

Those of us in Porter county probably dont appreciate the Dunes as much as those who don't have it so accessible.

Ahh how perfect, my family and I are actually planning going there this weekend. Last time I went there was 2018. Beautiful place

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Nice! Mose of this vid was from the state park. Would be nice to spend some more time exploring the national park area. Enjoy your trip, Jim!

Thanks Randy for this wonderful VLOG. I live south of Fort Wayne, Indiana and have never been to the dunes. This makes me want to go. With so much going on in this country today, it's always wonderful to see your inspiring family together! As always God bless!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

That really means a lot to me, Steve! Wonderful to know the vids bring people peace, joy and inspiration during these crazy days. Plus, hardly anything worthwhile to watch in TV as well! Thanks again and have a great week!

@fossil-bit8439

3 жыл бұрын

As a fellow Hoosier from South Bend. I highly recommend it! West beach and Cowles Bog trails are awesome!

Great video adventure. Enjoyed watching. We know the place well as we camp there many times each season. The campground is one of the best you will find with all paved roads and concrete pads. Enjoy!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Neat to hear, Gerrit! Thanks for the kind words!

This is the third vlog of yours I'm watching... definitely time to subscribe. You seem like such a great father/family man!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

That was a beautiful comment that really encouraged my day! Welcome aboard!

Loved this. Beautiful area and a great video. Counting the days until my husband and I leave for Rocky Mt Natl Park. Need a dose of nature. Thanks as always.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Nancy and hope you have a great trip! Beautiful Park in CO!

Wow absolutely amazing place ty for sharing great video videography was top notch sledgehammered that like button stay safe awesome and blessed

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Really a nice time that day!

Wow, what a great challenge. You don't get to hike big dunes like that too often - but I know how hard they can be to climb! The beach looks great - not surprised it packed! I'd be there too!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Fun place, Josh! Hope your week is off to a great start!

You had such a great thumbnail I had to click. Our family just loves Indiana Dunes. We went there a month ago. Love your video and the way you edit. That hill was so hard.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for the kind words! We also had a great time there and I was happy how this video came together. With my wife and I originally from the Midwest it's always so nice to return! Take care!

You are an awesome family. Love your adventure.

@AmericasParks

2 жыл бұрын

Really blessed by your kind words! Enjoy your week!

Randy, Excellent video and wonderful fun with the famIly (yes, Kayla we did notice you were missing, since your Dad ran up and down these dunes by himself in a previous Vlog, you are now behind on the Dunes Challenge), and thanks for pointing out these activities are in the state park portion of Indiana Dunes, that beach looks very inviting. As always, thank you for sharing your vacation with all of us! . . . Mike

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Mike! Missed Kayla, but did get her at O'Hare the following am to enjoy the rest of the trip around the lake.

I can't wait to come there with my boys😎😁just the thought makes me so excited🚘🏊🏽‍♂️🏄🏾‍♂️🤽🏾‍♂️🏖

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Hope it works out for you guys! Special place!

Awesome effects and transitions! It came together so beautifully, great work as always dad!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Natalie! Never know how things are going to turn out once I start editing, but was pleased with this one.

@markrichardsocioprojectgo1800

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah very good videography. What kind of set up do you use? I just got the wireless comica mic instead of the rode, osmo action cam, and I edit with davinci

As a birder my favorite thing about Indiana dunes is the abundance of aquatic birds ❤️🦅❤️

@AmericasParks

Жыл бұрын

Neat... never knew this was an exceptional place for birding! Special place indeed!

Really enjoyed that one,nice to see an area I didn’t know about.Cherries looked great!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Stephen!

Looks amazing. I have driven past the Dunes on my way to Ludington, Michigan and never bothered to check them out. Thank you.

@AmericasParks

Жыл бұрын

Great stop, but if I had to choose, I'd take either of the two lakeshores in MI over this one.

Another great video and family memory made! Hope your daughter had a safe flight. Indiana Dunes is 53 miles southwest on I-94 from Silver Beach in St Joe, Mi, where I grew up. It is a county park but might make for a cool video if you get the chance. The beach area has huge water fountain system to play in. Also a restored 100+ year old carousel house that is fun for all ages. Two piers extend out into the lake and the north pier lighthouse is very iconic; one of only five chosen to be on a US stamp series in 1995. Climb the stairs to the top of the bluff and downtown St Joe has easy brick streets to walk and some historic buildings. The bandshell up there has concerts in normal years during the summer and It overlooks the St Joe river that flows into the lake. You can watch the sailboats traverse it while the sun sets and listen to the local high school music director conduct his adult orchestra. Small town midwestern life at its best and never crowded. 2 blocks from the beach you can have a burger at Silver Harbor Brewery and sample some craft beer. In season they make one called “Shipfaced” (yep). 12.6% alcohol, so have a designated driver. Anyway, thanks for all the work on the videos and blessings on your travels and family.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

That was a great promotion for "St. Joe." Need to keep that one on the radar. Thanks and have a super week!

I'm glad I chose your video. You helped me decide on what to do. Thank you.😎👋 🌊

@AmericasParks

9 ай бұрын

Great to hear!

What a beautiful park :) At the beginning when you said there was no swimming we thought "Oh no what is Randy going to do?" LOL Glad they gave the ok sign eventually :) When my daughter saw the skyline of Chicago she melted (her favorite city). Great views of the Lake atop those dunes too. Great video as always Randy :) Have an awesome week

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks as always for your very kind and thoughtful words, Jymn! Have a super week!

Loved this❤️we just retired and Indiana Dunes is way up on the bucket list✅ My hubby is from Indiana but I’m a Carolina girl and definitely a beach bum. I Have always wanted to visit this part of the USA. Thanks for a great presentation, funny too😁

@AmericasParks

2 жыл бұрын

Really appreciate the kind words! Hope you can visit this gem in the Midwest!

I live just 10 min from the state park LOVE trail 9 as well. You guys did a great job on the video!

@AmericasParks

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, John! Wife from MI and I grew up in Chicago. Absolutely love the Midwest. That was a great day in your neck of the woods!

Loved our visit to Indiana Dunes in Fall of 2017. Looks like a great family trip! Thanks, Randy and family! Sorry that people need so many reminders. Ugh.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Appreciate that! Glad to hear you had a great trip out there!

Native Hoosier here! You were in my neck of the woods, Randy! 😊Hope ya'll enjoyed Indiana! I still have yet to make it up there, but now I definitely want to. Very beautiful!! Looks like the family enjoyed themselves, too.😊

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Always have a great time in Indiana! Will never forget when I traveled from Illinois State in 1986 to the Little 500 at IU. Should have used "Indiana, Our Indiana" song in the vid.

@sarabrown-janowiak1892

3 жыл бұрын

Awesome!! So glad you have enjoyed your times here! Indiana may not look like The Grand Canyon or Yellowstone, etc, but just like pretty much every state, it has it's own beauty and hidden gems🙌😊

Oh man, going to the lake to swim and find out the beach is closed! knew you couldn't resist going in ah ah Wow, the skyline of Chicago! Hiking in the dunes is always strenuous. Well done on your challenge guys! The colors of the lake are amazing. Kayla missed out on a cool adventure :)

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Hey guys! Thanks for the kind words and hope the family is doing well during these trying times. Stay safe out there and keep building those great memories as a family!

Thanks again. 👍🙏

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching, James!

Headed there soon to check it out.. Hopefully the colors are popping..

@AmericasParks

2 жыл бұрын

Have a great time! If you catch the midwest fall colors it will indeed be really special.

@skeeterboy77

2 жыл бұрын

@@AmericasParks just got back from there and hit the leaves at the right time..

Just back from IDNP, we stayed in New Buffalo Mi. and also in the distance we could see the skyline of Chicago 45 miles away… Very cool although much smaller view than the closer view from the Dunes.

@AmericasParks

Жыл бұрын

Hey Derek, glad to had a great trip out there. As a guy that grew up un Chicago... this place is rather dear to my heart.

your videos are amazing!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! Happy to hear you enjoy them!

Thank you for the beautiful video of my home running grounds every weekend!!! Let me know if you come back!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Appreciate that invitation! Would have been nice to "run" into you! Always have a nice time in Indiana - good memories having spent most of my like in the Chicago suburbs.

This is the only park in Indiana I have yet to go to. Had planned to go before Covid started. Great video, thanks-

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Hope you can get out there! Miss my days of growing up off Lake Michigan in the Chicago area.

Excellent!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, Mercedes!

I recommend this channel! Good content! Exciting content, I love this channel! I wish the author further development! I'm glad to watch this channel!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Really kind of you! You've got some really original stuff yourself!

Sure looks like you all had a great time! With growing up in southern WI and then living in the NW suburbs of Chicago for 35 years, I have never been to the Dunes!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

James, it worth the visit! Hope the video helped whet the appetite! Have a nice week!

Wonderful👍🏻👍🏻

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Mark!

Just discovered your channel. I just moved out east from Indiana and your videos are really helping me plan my trip to Acadia. So glad you visited my home state :)

@AmericasParks

2 жыл бұрын

Welcome to the East Coast! We moved to NJ from Chicago. Love the Midwest and this video of I Dunes in particular. Enjoy Acadia - one of the best!

My friend and I made it here 2 weeks ago…went and did the Diana of the Dunes hike. Then rock hunting in Michigan.

@AmericasParks

2 жыл бұрын

Great to hear! Love summers in the Midwest!

Always enjoy your videos and looks like you had some beautiful weather as reflected by the gorgeous blues of Lake Michigan. It was nice to get a peak at the 3 Dune Challenge as we will be hitting this park Labor Day weekend. Visiting family in northern Ohio so thought we could tie this park in before head back down to NC. We were here once for a quick pass through a few years ago but this time we have two full days so should be able to hit some hikes in addition to the beach.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Cool, Michael! Definitely worth the stop if in the area. We really enjoyed the beach and 3 dune challenge, but some more neat stuff in the National Park area too! We did everything in this video in one day.

@MichaelYoungblood1

3 жыл бұрын

Americas Parks It’s not the most glamorous of the parks but it has its own unique beauty and I get to spend it with my family. We will be spending most of the time in the national park because it is more dog friendly. Planning to do the dune challenge and also hit Mt. Baldy and Cowles Bog. However, I think I am most excited to get some Lou Malnati’s.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

@@MichaelYoungblood1 YES!

Loved this. We're headed here in a week so it was nice to get an overview of the park. We'll be camping at the state park, too, because we wanted electricity at our campsite.

@AmericasParks

2 жыл бұрын

Hope you have (or are having) a great time! Loved the 3-Dune challenge!

@TakeATripTogether

2 жыл бұрын

@@AmericasParks Thank you. We actually had some family stuff come up and had to postpone our trip but we'll definitely reschedule. We've been enjoying your videos. Especially the ones in Michigan as that's where we live!

Beach and hike, I'm in!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Great options there!

Very nice vid and music

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! Kind of like how this one came together.

I've done some restoration work in Cowles bog. This NP is so gorgeous and one of the most biologically diverse! I have so much love for this place, glad you enjoyed!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

I grew up in the Chicago suburbs so it was nice to return to the local area again. Appreciate your kind words and service for the NP's!

@markrichardsocioprojectgo1800

2 жыл бұрын

Was the restoration work part of the voluntary work with the park? I was thinking about doing that over here in the Westchester Illinois area.

@breeski3903

2 жыл бұрын

@@markrichardsocioprojectgo1800 no I was employed, but there are definitely volunteer opportunities. Look up Friends of Indiana Dunes or Save the Dunes

@markrichardsocioprojectgo1800

2 жыл бұрын

@@breeski3903 was it a part time job? Are you in to ecology? I'm recently trying to learn ecology, tree and plant life, on my own very recently.

@breeski3903

2 жыл бұрын

@@markrichardsocioprojectgo1800 no it was full time seasonal work. You need a degree in some sort of environmental science or biology to get a job, but you can volunteer without a degree.

I'm on a budget this yr and was debating on whether I wanted to go to Florida. I live in KY and I'm just going to drive here. My kids are small and they'll still enjoy it. Thank you!

@AmericasParks

2 жыл бұрын

Probably a good call (despite the gas prices)... Florida has so much to offer for families!

Fun video. You did some more effects and transitions than you usually do! This park (the N.P. version is def on the list as I intend to hit all 62. I think it was 58 when i started this endeavor...)

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Nice! Personally a little surprised this one was added especially when you consider the other three lakeshores. Still a nice time and worth the visit!

Nothing like family time. My dad would bring us here sometimes since we arent that far. We’re in Indianapolis. But yeah he’d bring us there before he died. So now Ill take my son this summer in case I can’t make it to Destin Florida. Love your channel. New subbie. ❤️

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Beautiful comment! Sorry about your father, but it seems like you have good memories together. Have a wonderful summer and welcome to the channel!

@kaleenajean

2 жыл бұрын

@@AmericasParks ❤️

It is so amazing living next to one of these Great Lakes. We feel like we’re near an ocean every day, but we can (after filtration) drink the water. 💙

@TravelSmallLiveBig

3 жыл бұрын

I never thought about it being drinkable! We live on the Pacific Ocean (literally, on a boat) and just don't know giant lakes like The Great Lakes ~ super interesting!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, grew up in the Chicago suburbs (wife from MI) - always wonderful to return to the beauty of "Big 10" country!

@SorgiStories

3 жыл бұрын

Americas Parks OK, gotta ask...and if the answer is none of the above, totally get it: Gino’s East, Giordano’s, Malnati’s or Pizzeria Uno? Your pick?

@SorgiStories

3 жыл бұрын

Travel Small Live Big Living on the Pacific in a boat? Seems like a dream. Spent a week there last year in California....O.M.G.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

@@SorgiStories Deep dish pizza - you are a GOOD MAN! Can't get that stuff on the east coast. All the above!!! Our second date was at Malnati's in Naperville.

Looks a little different than when I was there in December 😂 I wanted to do the 3 dune challenge but the park was closed that day for deer maintenance. Great vid as always! Stay safe. Be well.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

"Deer Maintenance!" Sorry to her that, Renee! Enjoy your week!

It's so weird to know that lakes get riptides... we just don't have really large lakes where we live! But on the other hand, we don't call some bump that is 176' tall a mountain ~ ah ha ha! Sorry... couldn't resist. The sand looks amazing ~ I love soft sand like that, except maybe if I am hiking up it. That trail looks like a blast! Love the facts at the end :)

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, understand the folks with the "real" mountains must get a kick out of what the midwesterners call their mountains. Yet these hills made entirely of sand are pretty cool - and grueling if you need to walk up them! Hope you guys are having a nice weekend, Heather!

You made it to my home turf! Still haven't been since they renamed it to a National Park, but suppose that should be on our list! It is quite the beautiful area. Sand makes the hiking so much harder haha, like hiking through snow. Hope you all have been well through these interesting times! Hope to see you on one of our adventures! - Shane

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Hey Shane - love Indiana! We started in Muskegon and drove around the lake. I. Dunes was our first stop. Hope all is well with you and the family! You guys going to Yellowstone anytime soon?

@DnSAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

@@AmericasParks Nice sounds like a fun trip! We are hanging in there. :) We probably would have hit Yellowstone up again this year if it hadn't been for the current circumstances. Hoping to head back west in a couple years after we go to a wedding this coming year in the northeast. Soooo FYI, we are probably heading up towards you all this coming year! (assuming the government allows us to haha) :)

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

@@DnSAdventures Nice! You guys are always welcome here! Room in the house or boondocking in our large side yard. Whatever you need! Plenty of neat thinks within 90 minutes from our house.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

@@DnSAdventures Also, if you plan to visit next summer, please check well in advance regarding our availability.

Great video! What kind of shoes do you recommend to do this hike? Did you guys get lots of sand in yours?

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! I'd suggest gym shoes - lightweight, able to avoid the hot sand and firm fit.

Great video!! Indiana Dunes is a great place. Looks like you all had a blast. I took my nieces to Porter Beach earlier this year for a weekend trip. I plan on going back sometime to do the 3 dunes challenge.

@theclayishone

3 жыл бұрын

I grew up riding my bike to Porter Beach! I lived off Coleman St a couple of blocks away from Enchanted Forest/Splash Down Dunes/whatever it is now.

@Bigodog88travels

3 жыл бұрын

That's awesome. That was my first time going there. I had a great time and my nieces loved it.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Love that 3 Dune challenge - Challenging for 1.5 miles, but fun with rewarding views!

Nice. You were just in my backyard. I hike here almost daily. And yes. The rip currents are something to respect. Unfortunately people die each year because of them.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Same here, Frank! Grew up in the Chicago suburbs so it's like going home. Big 10 country is among the best!

No way would we try this 3 dune challenge. Barely made it to one. Such an adorable family.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! Hiking in the sand is brutal! :)

Really enjoyed this one Randy. Looks like great weather! Still cant get over seeing waves in a lake. Crazy...So what was your daughter doing out here in Cali? Nice to see you getting out another clip so fast. You have some material backed up again!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, nice to sit on some stuff and edit when I have the time. Thought it sure does take a lot of patience!! Kayla originally had plans to go to CA for a friend's wedding, but then they changed the location. So she and a friend just stayed with their original plans. They did visit Muir Woods and Pt. Reyes.

@RobertLWard

3 жыл бұрын

@@AmericasParks awesome. Didn't know they were open. I was supposed to be there 5his month

Hello America's Park's😊😊! Hey Randy, it seems that you left Pictured Rocks and drove straight to Indiana Dunes😊! Year's ago our family drove to Chicago for a family reunion and on the way there we visited Cuyahoga National Park, Rock &Roll Hall of Fame, National Football Hall of Fame, and Indiana Dunes State Park, well before it became a National Park. Great video😊! Is Rainbow Bridge open yet lol!??

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Great trip for you, Al! Actually, I am posting (not intentionally) the videos out of order. Started at Indiana Dunes and then around the lake clockwise. Hope to get Sleeping Bear up this week. And sadly, might be a while b/f I'm back in the Rainbow Bridge area....:)

Lake Erie is more scenic and warmer in Erie, PA at Presque Isle State Park (all Pennsylvania Parks have free admission). It has a diner, 7 mile peninsula jutting out to Lake Erie. Around the area is blueberry picking 20 miles in Edinboro down I-79 and fresh fruit farmers market store 6 miles away. Many restaurants around with plenty of boat and bike rentals. There is a tourist boat at tip of Peninsula. On windy sunny days there waves and the temps are soothing with lots of kite flying. Tom Ridge Environmental Center is around park entrance. I prefer lakes over ocean any time, less salt *(hydrated skin), picturesque and refreshing winds

@AmericasParks

Жыл бұрын

Those are great words of advice, Stephanie! Thanks for taking the time to share them. Made a note!

Amazing video! I think that I agree with the girls in preferring the ocean. I like to surf and I just don't know if the Great Lakes can produce consistent waves that would let that happen. Then again, if you're spending a day at a lake beach, you don't have to worry about a shark bite, Portuguese man o' war, jelly fish or sea nettles though. Also: I love White Castle (especially the shakes)!

@TravelSmallLiveBig

3 жыл бұрын

Ah ha ha ~ the part about not having to worry about a shark, jelly fish etc is so true (I live at the ocean), but lakes creep me out - snakes, gooey bottom (although this was beautiful sand), logs, turtles and "things" and whatever. ;)

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Well-said, Chris! We live .5 miles from the ocean and always feel the same way about the unknown that's swimming around!

I just went there and thought it had cool stuff, but it was not very far from civilization as a steel mill was literally across a river from part of the park. However, your footage makes it look more beautiful than Acadia. Great vid and thank you for subscribing to me.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, heard it was upgraded due to its biological diversity. Beautiful area and had a great time, but I'd take Pictured Rocks or Sleeping Bear if I had to choose a lakeshore.

We didnt do the dune challenge when we visited-i wasnt up for holding 2 babies through the sand 😆 I rationalized that we wanted to see the national park side ...seeing those steps and knowing the humidity...im glad to watch your trek ♡ but the beaches look pretty from where you were- we had a view to one side of smoke stacks. That sand was a beast to hike up hill in lol!! Did you drive through the homes on the way out? Was curious if they had finished renovation.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, they were still working on renovating the homes. Since our time was limited, I just went to the more familiar area of the state park. Glad to hear you had a nice experience there!

@OurNationalAdventure

3 жыл бұрын

@@AmericasParks loved watching you guys! Great video!

Great trip. I did the 3 dune challenge this past week. However you missed trail 9 in the state park. Regarded as the nest hiking trail in the state.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Oh man, never knew that! Gives me a good reason to return to this beautiful place! lol! Midwest is "coming home" as I grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago.

@dc76384

3 жыл бұрын

@@AmericasParks I'm about 15 minutes south of the Dunes National Park.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

@@dc76384 Nice! We used to also hit Warren Dunes a lot in MI growing up. Don't have the sweet dunes like you guys do in IL.

I was up there last week did a couple of videos

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Cool, man! Just took a look at your channel and saw the "dune climb" video from sleeping bear. Nice!

Mom is carrying everything and climbing

@AmericasParks

2 жыл бұрын

Because mom is the toughest in the family! lol! Actually, we just all grab stuff and go. I'm always carrying/setting up the tripod and big camera (obviously not seen in the video). Thanks for watching.

❤️

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

We do not claim to be the seashore, but growing up around the Indiana Dunes National Park, I have learned to be grateful we have and they (brave souls from Universtiy of Chicago in 1950s) fought to SAVE the Dunes, or we would not have. Research Grand Kankakee Marsh just south in Indiana and see what happened in mid 1800's. It was a paradise for hunters around the world and they destroyed. We have some remnants in my hometown of Hobart, Indiana but that is it....................fun video! Yes, flush the toilets lol

@AmericasParks

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Michael, have heard those stories growing up most of my life in the Chicago suburbs. We sure did have a great time there thanks to the investment you made! Personally grateful and glad others in future generations will enjoy this gem as well!

@michaelsemper1606

2 жыл бұрын

@@AmericasParks Hobart, Indiana fought to establish similar areas like the Indiana Dunes through grants along Liverpool Rd. you will find our new Nature District in woodlands. Also our downtown now also has preserved land on Lake George. They are trying to build up with trails and such. If you are a biker, there is a long stretch from the Dunes in Chesterton southwest and runs through Hobart and past I hear to Griffith, Indiana. I am a past biker and triathlon participate but have not attempted. However in good months many do...........the Grand Kakakee story is really fascinating to me and you will find remnants of in our Hobart Nature District. Many Good videos on through PBS series. I believe they finally changed signage to Indiana Dunes National Park (State park will remain). Also have you seen the Century of Progress homes? Take Kemil Road from 12 towards lake. Turn right at lake and there will be parking to right on the lakeshore road at stop sign just before sign that says Century of progress homes (turn right up hill and right into parking). That is where 5 homes from 1933 Worlds Fair are nearly fully restored. They only have one or two tours a year and filles up quick but you can drive by to see..........recommendation; in summer beach days; try to get to this semi secret parking going east on lakeshore road before 9;30 am to get parking and you will be right on lake with no walking. Summer is coming. I moved back to the area to be a caregiver to my dad. I grew up in the day when Miller Beach and Marquette Beach was the place to go! (east suburb of Gary). A new Hard Rock facility, with restaurants, casino and great live venue just opened on 80/94 with hotel on follow soon (21 and older) I work at Hard Rock Live Theater part time ;)

Great video, have you been to south Texas state parks or to South Padre Island?

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Went to Mustang Island back in 2012. Would enjoy getting to Padre and shooting a video. Great area!

@ericivancantu

3 жыл бұрын

Americas Parks truly unreal especially if you go deep into Padre where no people go, is truly peaceful

Another great video! I do feel like this park was made a National Park out of pity though lol

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! Yes, found that selection is a little puzzling - especially when you consider the other lakeshores that could have received the "upgrade." I was told it was due to its bio-diversity. If the case, thankful it was not politics. Still a very nice location.

@dc76384

3 жыл бұрын

Was originally slated to be one of the first National Parks...However the outbreak of war prevented this from happening. The state of Indiana swooped in and carved out the nest section of the park for themselves in the meantime.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

@@dc76384 Interesting, David. Thanks for sharing that.

is Indiana dunes state park part of the national park like in redwood?

@mikekuhl2658

3 жыл бұрын

It is a state park within a national park.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah as mentioned below, the state park is swallowed up in the National Park. Thanks for watching!

@thealphawolf6535

3 жыл бұрын

thanks both for clarifying!

👍🏻😍

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Lol. I guess it WAS strenuous then! 😂😆

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, best workout for a 1.5 mile hike! :)

Family time well invested great participation and a very enjoyable story thank you

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Well-said, Todd! Thanks so much for the encouraging feedback!

🥰

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks again!

ZOY ! ! !

@AmericasParks

11 ай бұрын

Right on!

The 3 Dunes Challenge starts at The Nature Center. You start on Trail 8 and follow the signs. Near the end, you join Trail 4.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Helpful for future hikers.

They haven’t changed the sign 😄

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, was surprised to see that myself!

sharks or no sharks is the real question lol

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Right on! And fresh vs. salt water too!

Is this amazing park in Indiana?

@AmericasParks

Жыл бұрын

Yes sir!

The Indiana Dunes is even much better than this video shows! Note - You should be prepared to wait in a one hour line to get in the park.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, for one day there we still had a nice time.

FYI a pair of sunglasses fell to the ground at 7:39 to 7:40.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Great eyes, Mark! Never even caught that in the editing process. Need to ask my daughter when she get home if she recovered them! Too late to turn around! :)

The 3 Dunes Challenge is quite difficult for the average person. 1.5 miles sounds like nothing but it is not nothing.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Right on, the elevation changes and sand make it unlike many other 1.5 mile hikes.

Nice park, but the Sleeping Bear Dunes or Pictured Rocks are much more worthy of the National Park title.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Feel exactly the same way - good park, but I would have voted for either of the other two you mentioned as well.

@valparaisorealtor8566

3 жыл бұрын

I believe the dunes national label is heavily backed by being one of the most bio diverse areas on the planet :)

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

@@valparaisorealtor8566 Interesting, thanks for sharing that! Glad to hear it's that and not "politics."

Dont take a wrong turn.. Anything west of miller beach is dangerous

@AmericasParks

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching the video and sharing the heads-up! Had a great time out there.

Nice video Pastor Randy! Nice view of the Chicago skyline. It was a favorite city of mine until the lawless elements and the politicians ruined it! But the dunes are really, really nice! God bless y'all!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, so much going on in Chicago, especially over the last 10 years has really been disappointing. Sad - thankful it wasn't like that when we lived there in the 80-90's. Still a beautiful city with great folks. Have a blessed week!

Really well done video. The 3 dune challenge looks like a fun family-friendly race. It's nice to hear the different perspectives and commentary from each in your videos.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

That was well-said, Leland! Thanks for the thoughtful and kind comment!